| Margarita Island is famous among windsurfers throughout the world. With its strong, consistent wind, warm water, and beautiful temperature, it's not surprising that Margarita Island hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each year. Margarita is not just for the pros, though. Windsurfers at all levels seek out the favourable conditions at Playa El Yaque.
 Margarita Island is out of the hurricane belt and El Yaques waters are not plagued by jelly fish, sharks, or intrusive reefs. The wind blowing off the shore is generally lighter in the morning, giving beginners the perfect opportunity to get their bearings. Around 1:00pm, the wind fills in and blows steadily until nightfall! El Yaques shallow area extends for 100m, providing the perfect conditions for beginners and those practicing their tricks and maneuvers. The winds generally blow all year with the windiest time from January to March, the least windy from August to October. Even in the least windy times, you would expect planning conditions for almost half of your holiday. The wind usually builds up during the day, peaking in mid afternoon. You can have planning conditions all day. | | One of the most popular destinations for water-based activities is the Isla de Margarita, which lies some 40km (25 miles) off the mainland north of Cumaná (from where a twice-daily ferry provides access to the island), and whose Caribbean climate and 167km- (105-mile) long shoreline (with white sandy beaches) draw increasing numbers of swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. These activities are available all along the Caribbean coast (in the northeast of the country), with one destination, the Parcque Nacional Mochima, standing out: it consists of a wealth of islands and islets some of which, such as the Isla de Plata (the most developed), are surrounded by coral reefs. In the northwest, the coastal strip and the numerous offshore islands and coral reefs forming the Parque Nacional Morroy provide ideal snorkelling and diving. Boat trips through the mangrove caños (channels) and to several of the park’s islands (notably to Cayo Sombrero and Chichiriviche, two of the best known) are available. The fishing, both fresh- and salt-water, is good.
| | You can explore on your own or take one of several tours operated by local companies with English speaking guides that dot the island. Among the most popular destinations is La Restinga National Park, an elaborate system of canals through the mangrove forest. You can enjoy a traditional boat ride through the wide canals. You'll observe various birds and wildlife in addition to sea life such as seahorses, starfish and various species of crab. Most boat guides only speak Spanish, so be prepared to rely on your visual acuity and imagination unless if you decide to book this tour.
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| | Another great stop is the Margarita Tropical Gardens and Labyrinth. In the company of monkeys and other entertaining animal species, you'll find a maze of tropical plants with beautiful blooms and unique trees. Then you can wander around a tree maze with many dead end paths...see who can find their way out first! Enjoy a sampling of local fruit, have your picture taken with a snake, wrestle with a bird to keep your hat and you're on your way again.
It is the only multi-species labyrinth in the Caribbean. It is an ecological park where a variety of tropical flora is exhibited, some of it's from Margarita. The space stretches for 17.000 m2, dedicated to ecological preservation and fun. The Ficus labyrinth dares the orientation sense. Feel the emotion of finding the lost path.
The park is divided in 4 areas. One, with vegetation that grows between sea level and 400 m over sea level. (Different kind of cactus, spiny bushes and the emblematic tree of Nueva Esparta, the Guayacan). Many other species are growing in this area. The Flower Garden, where you will find the most number of species of gardens on Margarita Island. An area of contact with Mango, native plum, bananas, sugar cane and guava trees. The third part of the tour is planted with species that normally grow over 400 m sea level. A microclimate was created with giant bamboos and irrigation from the air to achieve the humidity required by these species (Bromeliads, orchids, callas, ferns palm trees and climbing ferns) At the end of this tour there is shaded zone with a pond where you can watch and touch some of our tropical fauna: Turtles, Boa Constrictor, Black Spiders, Royal Parrots and a very sympathetic Capuchino monkey named Pancho.
There is a complete collection of snakes native to the island and other reptiles as Iguanas, salamanders, lizards and Babas (small caiman native to the plains). The visitor is offered typical natural refreshment in each area, like Sugar Cane Juice, Lemon and raw sugar drink, coconut milk and tropical fruit. El Laberinto Tropical is located on the road from Los Robles to La Asuncin, sector Palosano Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm . Fee's: 10,000 bs per adult and 5,000 bs per child.
For the more adventurous, Margarita also has some great kayaking, scuba diving and windsurfing. The beach at El Yaque is world renowned for its excellent windsurfing and plays host to competitions annually. Take a horseback ride along the shore and into the desert, enjoy a jeep safari through Macanao, a remote area of the island, or embark on a journey to another place.
You can find these and quite a variety of imported pearls from Asia at very reasonable prices. With the influx of cruise passengers has come an extensive market and local (free) entertainment at the port on ship days. The natives provide traditional entertainment at the pier named El Guamache where you can browse over 100 local merchants that come to display their handicrafts. You can also find lots of shopping in Porlamar with a flea market just outside of town to satisfy your quest for local crafts.
 Margarita, largely unknown, but brimming with activity. Exploration, adventure, relaxation and shopping, Margarita has something for everyone. The ones hungry for action and fun will find a great variety of Shows, Discos, Pool & Bars and Night Clubs with very personalized personalities. There are places for everyone. From the romantic Piano Bar to the most crazy tropical party for the young ones in years.
From terraces under a sky painted with thousands of stars and soft life music to clubs with spectacular light shows and the hottest music.
There is someplace for every taste and this guide will help you the find the place you need to give your vacation the finishing touch. Gamblers will find different options between Casinos, Bingos and Slot Machines to try their luck. Everything on Margarita is within reach and transportation options are relatively inexpensive.
If you are not staying at a resort or hotel with shuttle service you will find plenty of inexpensive taxi services and can also rent a car to explore on your own. Remember, gasoline is cheap in Venezuela and this is reflected in most transportation costs. Start with the beaches, numerous and sometimes secluded, the best beaches are on the east coast of the island. |
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Margarita Recreation
